Bharti Airtel has selected Nokia Networks for its 4G network deployment in the 1800 MHz band in six telecom circles, the contract is worth around USD 200 million (approximately Rs 12.40 billion). Interestingly the National Stock Exchange (NSE) has sought clarification from Bharti Airtel Limited with respect to recent news saying that Nokia Networks Bags Rs 12.40 billion (Rs.1240-cr) Airtel 4G Deal.

Three months ago, Ericsson joined hands with Bharti Airtel to take advantage of the 4G revolution in India. The plan is to build, and upgrade Bharti Airtel’s 4G capabilities and infrastructure to a faster, more efficient, and reliable 4G service.

Bharti Airtel has 4G spectrum in 8 circles including Kolkata, Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, New Delhi, Mumbai, Haryana and Kerala and already offers 4G services in Ludhiana, Mohali, Bangalore, Kolkata, Pune, Chandigarh and Panchkula. At present, all 4G networks in the country run on the 2300 MHz band.

Bharti Airtel had acquired 115.0 MHz spectrum in the 1800 MHz band for a total consideration of Rs 18,530 crore, a year ago n the spectrum aucation. Therefore, the company said that it would roll out high speed 4G networks in various circles using FD-LTE technology in the 1800 MHz band besides its TD-LTE roll-out in the 2300 MHz band, giving it a pan-India 4G footprint.

With increasing rural penetration, the total active mobile connections in India are expected to jump by a whopping 85 percent to 1.2 billion by 2020, as per the recent study. The number of mobile broadband subscribers in India will increase to 600 million by 2020, 20 percent of whom will be on the 4G platform,” its said.